If you're planning a dinner event, know the religious dietary needs of your guests.
If you are planning an event or dinner party and are inviting guests from various religious backgrounds, you should understand different spiritual dietary restrictions before you plan the menu. By understanding what people of different religious faiths can and cannot eat, you can plan a meal that won't offend anyone and that everyone can enjoy.
Kosher Dietary Restrictions
If you have Jewish guests, you need to find out if they follow Kosher dietary laws. These dietary restrictions dictate what kind of meat and dairy can be consumed. Kosher law states that only animals with cloven hooves can be consumed, and that dairy products must come from Kosher animals. In addition, meat and diary cannot be consumed together, and Kosher animals must be slaughtered in a certain way. Additional restrictions apply during Passover.
Muslim Dietary Restrictions
Muslims do not eat foods that are not considered halal, or allowed, by Allah, including pork, carnivorous animals and birds, and animals who are not slaughtered in the manner approved by their faith. In addition, Muslims do not believe in drinking alcoholic beverages. If you are serving Muslim guests, check your recipes to ensure no alcohol or lard was used in their preparation. Muslims also fast during different points of their religious calendar.
Catholic Dietary Restrictions
Catholics follow a spiritual diet during the 40 days of Lent. During this time period, which can change dates from year to year, Catholics fast on certain days and abstain from meat on Fridays. Although they cannot eat meat, they are permitted to eat fish, dairy and eggs on Fridays. On fasting days, such as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, only one full meal is permitted during the day.
Hindu Dietary Restrictions
Like other religious groups, Hindus do not believe in eating pork. Because the cow is considered sacred to Hindus, they also do not eat beef. These two types of meats are strictly prohibited, but in addition, many Hindus choose a vegetarian lifestyle. If your guests are vegetarians, you should prepare a meal that offers other sources of protein, such as beans or tofu.
Tags: Dietary Restrictions, Kosher animals, meal that, your guests
